Public Affairs

The ongoing scandal surrounding Anthony Weiner—a New York Congressman who was caught sending risqué photos via Facebook and Twitter to young women—has raised questions not only about the Congressman’s behavior but also about the conduct of politicians in general. In a recent survey, conducted June 10 to June 13, 2011, we asked about the scandal. These were the results: 61% of our respondents said that Weiner should resign from office. 25% replied that he should stay and 15% were not sure. In total, awareness of the scandal was very high: 92% of Americans had heard at least a little about it. The ... read more

Few Adults Support Enhanced Pat Downs, Now Even Full Body Scan Machines in Jeopardy Some 2 million people fly every day in the U.S.  Some are now subject to full body scans or enhanced pat downs.  What is the reaction of Americans, particularly frequent flyers, to airport security changes? In surveys YouGov conducted online last week and this week for Economist magazine, we asked Americans whether they were comfortable or uncomfortable with undergoing a full body scan at an airport security checkpoint.  Those interviewed November 20-23, 2010 were simply asked the question.  Those interviewed November 27-30 were first shown a ... read more

With many issues, despite strong opinions, voters are short on the details. For example, in a recent posting, Larry Bartels related survey evidence showing that there is a wide gap in voter enthusiasm between voters that favor renewing the Bush Tax Cuts and those that favor letting the tax cuts expire. The hot button issue with the tax cuts is whether to renew the cuts for families earning more than $250,000 a year. The wrangling among politicians over this issue seems to mostly involve whether or not earning that amount of money qualifies somebody as wealthy. What's amazing about the ... read more

Americans are glad to have U.S. combat troops out of Iraq – but see no end to combat and little hope for American victory there. But in the last few weeks the withdrawal has brought with it a rise in approval of the way President Obama is handling the war in Iraq. In this week’s Economist/YouGov Poll, 49% approve, while 41% disapprove.     The approval of ending U.S. combat operations in Iraq comes despite the clear expectation that Americans will fail in Iraq. Almost half believe that in the end, the U.S. will leave Iraq without a victory. Only 16% say ... read more

Americans are decidedly pessimistic about the current peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians – 45% in the latest Economist/YouGov Poll think there will never be peace between the two. Just 7% think peace will happen in the next few years.  Americans still favor Israel over the Palestinians, but there is a partisan divide, and many Americans would like the U.S. to be more even-handed. 36% sympathize more with Israel, and only 10% sympathize more with the Palestinians. 29% sympathize equally with both.  Republicans overwhelmingly support Israel – 72% do, and only 3% favor the Palestinians. Democrats divide almost evenly: 16% favor the Israelis, 14% ... read more

Americans are facing the ninth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a mix of concern and confidence.  About a third (35%) say the country is safer from a terrorist attack now, but 27% say it is less safe.   And more than half believe there is some chance of another terrorist attack in the next year.    Concern about an attack is higher than it was one year ago.  In September 2009, 48% thought there was a chance of an attack (and only 14% thought an attack was very likely.   Now 60% express concern, with 21% thinking the ... read more